ATHLETE'S GUIDE

ALL COMPETITORS MUST READ THE FOLLOWING IMPORTANT INSTRUCTIONS

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Venue      

Tonbridge School, Tonbridge, Kent. TN10 3AD

The event is sanctioned by the British Triathlon and a BT Official will be in attendance.

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Car parking

Please note that due to the popularity of the event, there is no competitor parking on site. Please follow the directions given by the marshals and follow the signs to the designated town centre car parks.  These car parks are located at The Castle, The Ivy House pub, Town Swimming Pool, plus more car parks in the centre of town. As it is a Bank Holiday, there is no charge payable.

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The Registration point is signposted in Tonbridge School Sports Centre.

 

British Triathlon Competition Rules

Please take time to familiarise yourself with the rules under which this triathlon operates.

View the British Triathlon rules here

 

There are new rule changes for 2022. See an overview here.

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Registration

Race day Registration will take place in the Sports Centre, Tonbridge School. To minimise queuing we will issue you with a Registration time period (from 06.00 hours). Leave your bike in the supervised cycle rack in the small car park adjacent to Registration whilst registering. At Registration, you will collect your Race Number, bike identity stickers, and safety pins.  You may use a Race Number belt if you wish.

Note you will not be permitted to register outside of your given Registration time period.

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Timing Chip

Your Timing chip will be issued to you as you enter the pool. This chip should be fitted to your left ankle. For the duration of the event, your Timing chip is your responsibility. There may be a charge levied if you fail to return your chip at the end of the event. UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES SHOULD YOU GO NEAR ANY TIMING MAT WHILST WEARING YOUR TIMING CHIP UNLESS YOU ARE ACTUALLY COMPETING. IF YOU ACCIDENTALLY DO SO PLEASE ADVISE A TIMING OFFICIAL.

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Race Number

Race Numbers should be worn so as to be visible from the rear during the cycle discipline and from the front during run discipline. Failure to display your race number correctly could result in a  penalty.  Body marking for the swim discipline will take place when you collect your race numbers etc. You will not be permitted into transition without revealing your body marking.

Non BT members will need  a day licence .These will be sent out electronically. BT members will be requested to produce their valid licence.. Once registered, you may proceed to transition to rack your bike.

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Transition

UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES WILL ANY PERSON BE PERMITTED TO ENTER TRANSITION OTHER THAN REGISTERED COMPETITORS. No mobile phones, MP3 players, iPods or earphones are permitted within the transition area. Checks will be undertaken before entry to Transition is permitted.  Please wear your helmet correctly adjusted before arrival at the check point. The bike check will be visually undertaken to ensure that it is roadworthy and you will be requested to demonstrate that the brakes work.  Please ensure that bar end plugs are in place. Your numbers should be displayed on the cycle, helmet and bag.

Racking will be numbered and only 4 bikes will be racked on each span.

Access to and from transition will not be permitted without revealing your body marking. 

Under BTF rules, competitors should only bring into transition what is needed - however a small bag can remain with your bike. An area will be designated in Transition for you to store a bag containing all other belongings. It is important to be aware of those around you in transition as the race will be underway when most of you arrive. You are advised to orientate yourself and to make a note of where the 'Entry' and 'Exit' points are in Transition area and listen to instruction given by officials. Athletes will be expected to adhere to BT rules which can be found in the BT Handbook and BT website.

 

Starting Times

For competitors to be able to take part in the age group competition, it is necessary for competitors to start by age group and distance, i.e. the oldest standard distance competitor starts first and the youngest sprint distance competitor starts last.

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To ensure a safe environment in the Sports Centre.  Your Registration time will give you time to get to Transition, rack your cycle and prepare yourself.  You will then muster outside the Sports Centre entrance in registration groups to go to the Pool.

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Medical notes

It is your own responsibility to ensure that you are fit to take part in the event and are strongly advised to read the medical notes at the end of this document. You should record any medication that you may be taking and any medical condition that you have when entering. This information is given to the first aiders and doctors

in the event of an accident or other emergency.

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Changing/showers/toilets

There are facilities at the Swimming Centre. Availability of showers is subject to Tonbridge School Covid regulations at the time. Tonbridge Lions Club does not accept responsibility for any property lost or stolen, so please look after your own property.

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Race briefing

• A last minute race briefing will be given at the poolside whilst waiting your turn to start. (Assuming Covid regulations permit, otherwise we will send the the briefing notes to you before the race). 

• You need to read the race briefing on the website prior to the race day and familiarise yourself with the arrangements before your arrival at the race.

• It is your responsibility to ensure that you are aware of the layout of the School, Sports Centre, Run and Cycle courses.

• You are reminded that the Race Official’s decision is final                                                                                   .

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Medical information

On race day medical cover will be provided. An ambulance will be based at the school site ready to respond to any incident whether within the grounds or on the cycle/run routes. (Additional medical assistance will be available on the cycle course.) Below is a reminder of medical issues you should bear in mind before and during race day.

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Are you still fit to compete? Do you have a temperature?

A lot can and does happen between placing your race entry and the event itself. Entrants who are fund-raising for charity often feel under pressure to take part even if they feel unwell or unfit because of the money they hope to raise. You should never compete with a fever, as there is a risk of causing myocarditis (inflammation of the heart), which can be fatal or debilitating in the long term. Do not compete if you feel unwell or have just been unwell. Most medical emergencies occur in people who have been unwell or have been unwell but do not wish to miss the race. If you feel feverish, have been vomiting, have had severe diarrhoea or any chest pains, or otherwise feel unwell, it is unfair or you your family and the event support staff to risk becoming a medical emergency. You are unlikely to perform well and do yourself justice.  There are other races but only one you.           If you are not fit then please withdraw from the event for your own safety.

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What if I normally take medication?

Many entrants do have a history of medical problems or will be taking medications or use inhalers. This information is invaluable to the medical support staff in the unlikely event of an emergency or if you collapse. For example, knowing that you are a diabetic or asthmatic can speed the diagnosis and treatment of your problem.

Please enter your medical details on the reverse of your race number.  If you do not, it may prolong the time taken to give you the appropriate treatment.

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Avoid dehydration

• Listen to race announcements concerning the weather                                                                                    .       

• Start well hydrated i.e. drink 200-300 ml of fluid. Drink 200-300 ml every 15-20 minutes during the race   . 

• Re-hydrate after the Race                                                                                                                                             .       

• Water is fine for events of less than 50 minutes. A  carbohydrate/electrolyte drink may help                        .

• Watch out for warning symptoms                                                                                                                               .

• Slow your pace if you start to feel unwell during the race.  Seek advice early from the race marshals or      medical staff if you do not improve

• Cramps can be an early warning of dehydration - don't ignore them.  The following can be a warning of heat-related issues: Cramps, nausea/vomiting, diarrhoea, palpitations, exhaustion.

• Avoid a sprint finish: A sprint to the finish line will increase the stress on your heart. Unless you're an elite athlete, then a sprint finish should be avoided.

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Route

View https://ridewithgps.com/routes/45548337

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